Manuel Rodríguez Guitars and GEWA Music Team Up to Preserve Legacy

GEWA music was founded in 1925 by Georg Walther in Adorf, Germany, a region in Saxony that is famous for its musicians and the manufacture of musical instruments. The lasting effects of World War II forced GEWA to relocate its operations to the Mittenwald region of Bavaria. It remained in Bavaria until the fall of 1989 when the operation moved back to Adorf. The NAMM Member has a rich tradition of producing string, bow, and fretted instruments, accessories, cases, and bags, which has led GEWA to offer a product line containing more than 35,000 items.

Manuel Rodríguez Guitars has an equally impressive heritage. Manuel Rodríguez Jr. is the third generation of luthiers to run the family business. Rodríguez’s grandfather began crafting Spanish-style guitars in 1905 as an apprentice in Spain, and the brand has now spread to include the global distribution of its products. More on the vibrant history of Manuel Rodríguez Guitars is detailed at /playback/around-globe/mr-guitars-preserves-family-luthier-legacy.

According to Rodríguez, the partnership with GEWA music has been in development for a few years. Rodríguez is leading the GEWA Guitars team as it develops a line of Spanish guitars and while GEWA will be producing Rodríguez’s designs in its facilities. “GEWA’s experience in manufacturing string bow instruments and cases and its product development are in its DNA. For many years they have been one of the leading European players, with offices around the continent. GEWA also offers its marketing to further reach a global audience. All of this contributes to its success in the global market. GEWA’s identity makes it a perfect match for Guitarras Manuel Rodríguez,” says Rodríguez.

The current focus of this budding partnership is in the European market, and ensuring the superior quality of the instruments does not change. Inventory build-up and high-quality product sourcing remain top priorities for Rodríguez and GEWA. Rodriguez says, “GEWA is the best option for me to pass the fourth generation of Manuel Rodríguez guitars to since my children are pursuing their own passions outside of the family business. As the world's second-oldest guitar brand, we must have continuity, and the family-oriented structure at GEWA mirrors our vision.

GEWA will now exclusively distribute the line of Guitarras Manuel Rodríguez, all of which will be found on a new website that GEWA Music is planning on launching soon. For more information from GEWA music and Manuel Rodríguez Guitars, please visit https://gb.gewamusic.com/ and https://www.mrclassicalguitar.com/.